ISLAMABAD, April 24: Chinese Minister Hu Deping, who also heads the China Federation for Industry and Commerce, has sought the support of the Pakistan government in expanding investment in various sectors by the Chinese private sector.

Hu Deping currently visiting Pakistan at the head of a high level delegation met Jehangir Bashar, Secretary Board of Investment here on Monday.

He presented economic scenario of China and said that the objective of his visit was to help Pakistan in the earthquake reconstruction process and to bring the private sector of the two countries closer to have a conducive environment for boosting bilateral trade and investment.

He said Pakistan and China enjoyed strong diplomatic relations and the need was to convert this friendship into an even stronger economic relationship.

Secretary, BoI apprised the visiting delegation of the salient features of Pakistan’s investment policy and investment opportunities available in various sectors.

He pointed out that the economy of Pakistan had improved tremendously which was evident from the macro-economic indicators.

He stressed the need for closer cooperation in the economic field between the two countries for mutual benefit.

Mr Bashar assured the delegation that BoI would provide every possible assistance to its Chinese counterparts in facilitating investment.

He acknowledged with gratitude the offer of assistance for the reconstruction in the quake-hit areas and said that the Chinese friends had always supported Pakistan in every hour of trial.

The Chinese delegation included representatives from the leading private sector companies along with officials of the UNDP.

Earlier, a delegation of Jordan’s Shaheen Business and Investment group led by Dr Jawad Anani, ex-deputy prime minister of Jordan also met the secretary, BoI to discuss projects in various sectors in Pakistan.

This is the third visit by the group and they have shown interest in investing in the power, cement, oil and gas, hotel and housing projects in Pakistan.—APP